The Resident Evil Outbreak Games Need A Comeback!
Capcom needs to return the Resident Evil Outbreak games as soon as possible!
![The Resident Evil Outbreak Games Need A Comeback!](/content/images/size/w2000/2024/07/nellyeggsy-resident-evil-outbreak-file-2-1.jpg)
The Resident Evil Outbreak series, known in Japan as Biohazard Outbreak, is a spinoff of the Resident Evil series consisting of two survival horror games developed and published by Capcom for the PlayStation 2.
βGenazeaβ (HitSparks) is a third-party video game developer which assists other developers in their production. Erik Suzuki and Susan Hart founded the studio sometime after #ResidentEvil 2. They assisted #Capcom Production Studio 1 in the production of #BIOHAZARD Outbreak. #reFYI pic.twitter.com/97C9SasQJ5
β Resident Evil Fanboy (ππππ) ππΏ (@raccooncitynews) May 9, 2021
Capcom Production Studio 1 developed the REO games with the help of Ganazea.
Capcom released Outbreak in 2003 and File #2 in 2004, respectively. These titles are important because they marked a departure from the traditional Resident Evil formula by introducing online multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to four players to cooperate in escaping scenarios filled with zombies and other bio-organic weapons (BOWs) in and around the fictional city of Raccoon City.
Resident Evil Outbreak (2003)
Setting and Story:
The first game is set in the fictional Raccoon City, concurrent with Resident Evil 2 and 3 events. Players control one of eight characters, each with unique abilities and backgrounds, navigating through various scenarios to escape the city amidst the viral outbreak.
βIt was a typical night at J's bar. Some uninvited guests crashed the party. Our race for survival was just beginning.β βOutbreak (scenario) in-game description #REFB #reQuote #ResidentEvil #BIOHAZARD #REBHFun pic.twitter.com/3AzqphIQSY
β α΄‘α΄ α΄‘α΄Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄α΄ΚΚα΄α΄α΄! β #α΄‘α΄α΄‘α΄Ι΄α΄α΄α΄α΄ΚΚα΄α΄α΄ (@WeWantOutbreak) November 14, 2023
Eight people were drinking at Jack's Bar on September 23, 1998, despite news reports of increased violence in Raccoon City.
The narrative is episodic, with each scenario presenting different challenges and puzzles. The goal is to survive and find a way out while uncovering more about Umbrella Corporation's involvement in the outbreak.
![](https://nellyeggsy.com/content/images/2024/07/nellyeggsy-resident-evil-outbreak-cast.jpg)
David King and Kevin Ryman exploring the Raccoon University. pic.twitter.com/6RDD4SmSgR
β α΄‘α΄ α΄‘α΄Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄α΄ΚΚα΄α΄α΄! β #α΄‘α΄α΄‘α΄Ι΄α΄α΄α΄α΄ΚΚα΄α΄α΄ (@WeWantOutbreak) February 21, 2014
Always stick together. Power in numbers!
Gameplay:
Unlike previous Resident Evil games, Outbreak emphasizes teamwork and decision-making.
Players can choose characters with different skill sets (e.g., medical proficiency, lockpicking) to complement each other and progress through scenarios.
David King was a Raccoon City handyman who could create weapons using his tools. When the outbreak began, he was drinking at Jack's Bar. His age is unknown, although he appeared in his mid-thirties during the viral outbreak. #reFYI #reQuote #ResidentEvil #BioHazard #REBHFun pic.twitter.com/WMGzfddbSU
β Resident Evil Fanboy (ππππ) ππΏ (@raccooncitynews) May 17, 2022
David was keen on survivalism and collected books detailing survival in various disasters.
Each scenario has multiple endings based on player decisions and outcomes, adding replayability.
The game introduced a real-time inventory management system where items take up physical space, and characters can only carry a limited amount.
Online Features:
Resident Evil Outbreak was notable for being one of the first console games to support online multiplayer on the PlayStation 2. Players could connect via the Internet to play cooperatively, strategizing and communicating to survive.
Resident Evil Outbreak (2003) was the first #ResidentEvil game with multiplayer capability, using the #PlayStation 2's online network.
β Resident Evil Fanboy (ππππ) ππΏ (@raccooncitynews) February 14, 2024
The #Outbreak US servers lost all online play capabilities in 2007, while the Japanese servers stayed until July 2011. #REFB #BIOHAZARD #reFYI pic.twitter.com/KNVVycPqID
The REO games no longer support online gameplay via official channels.
Offline single-player was also an option, with AI-controlled partners. However, you need to partner with "compatible" characters (some of them don't get along with you!). The offline single-player mode is the only official option now, as Capcom shut down the online servers long ago.
Resident Evil Outbreak (2003) was the first #ResidentEvil game with multiplayer capability, using the #PlayStation 2's online network.
β Resident Evil Fanboy (ππππ) ππΏ (@raccooncitynews) February 14, 2024
The #Outbreak US servers lost all online play capabilities in 2007, while the Japanese servers stayed until July 2011. #REFB #BIOHAZARD #reFYI pic.twitter.com/KNVVycPqID
Do not fear, as there are unofficial ways to get back online!
The U.S. Army National Guard sets up a quarantine around Raccoon City.
Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 (2004)
Setting and Story:
The sequel continues the story in Raccoon City, expanding upon the first game's events. It introduces new characters alongside returning ones from the first title, each with unique abilities and backstories.
File #2 explores new locations and scenarios within the city, providing deeper insights into the outbreak and its consequences.
Actions have concequences.
Gameplay:
Building upon the foundation of the first game, File #2 retains the cooperative multiplayer focus and episodic scenario structure.
New gameplay mechanics and scenarios, such as dynamic NPC interactions and complex puzzles, were introduced. Walk-and-shoot mechanics were a welcomed addition to the game.
Online Features:
Like its predecessor, File #2 supports online multiplayer for up to four players. It improved network stability and added new features to enhance the cooperative experience.
Legacy and Reception
The Outbreak series was praised for its innovative multiplayer approach in a survival horror context, offering a unique blend of cooperative gameplay and traditional Resident Evil elements.
However, it received mixed reviews due to technical limitations, such as camera angles and AI behavior, and the challenging nature of coordinating with human or AI partners.
Despite its cult following and the potential for future installments, the series was discontinued after File #2, possibly due to the declining popularity of the PlayStation 2 and the logistical challenges of online gaming at the time. File #2 didn't sell as many copies as the first game.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Resident Evil Outbreak and its sequel, File #2, represent an experimental phase for the Resident Evil franchise, exploring multiplayer dynamics within the survival horror genre. Fans like me fondly remember them for their cooperative gameplay mechanics and contributions to the series' lore, although they remain relatively niche entries in the broader Resident Evil universe. Many, including myself, wish Capcom would make a proper remake or do an HD port with all previously cut content.
Support Outbreak
Follow @WeWantOutbreak for Resident Evil Outbreak content. For all things Resident Evil, follow @raccooncitynews! I created and managed both accounts. Use the tags #SupportOutbreak and #WeWantOutbreak to show your love and support for the Resident Evil Outbreak games. Add #REFB for extra points.
Capcom, we want Outbreak already! β ^NE #SupportOutbreak pic.twitter.com/IXFHCBb85R
β α΄‘α΄ α΄‘α΄Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄α΄ΚΚα΄α΄α΄! β #α΄‘α΄α΄‘α΄Ι΄α΄α΄α΄α΄ΚΚα΄α΄α΄ (@WeWantOutbreak) February 15, 2021
Bring back the Outbreak games already, Capcom!
Did you play the Outbreak games? Leave me a comment below!
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